Stirling Mortlock calls for Wallabies backline stability

Former skipper Stirling Mortlock has urged Ewen McKenzie to end the days of tinkering with the Wallabies backline and forge combinations for the 2015 World Cup over the next month.

After six seasons of chopping and changing in the midfield under Robbie Deans, Mortlock says Australia must take a leaf out of the All Blacks' book by settling on a 10-12-13 partnership.

Coach McKenzie faces a tough immediate call at inside centre for the start of what Mortlock sees as a crucial grand slam tour when they play England at Twickenham on Saturday.

Matt Toomua's fine display at No.12, mixing and matching well with five eighth Quade Cooper in the 41-33 loss to the All Blacks, has him challenging Brumbies teammate Christian Leali'ifano for the berth.

Radar-boot Leali'ifano has overcome an ankle injury to set up a 50-50 selection call with the outcome to be announced on Thursday night.

Mortlock played with both Toomua and Leali'ifano at the Brumbies and finds it hard to split them presently but he stressed the time had come to bed down a midfield combination.

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He also felt the next five Tests should decide whether newcomer Tevita Kuridrani should keep the outside centre position or Mr Versatile Adam Ashley-Cooper is given his preferred home there.

Deans never got close to bedding down his best centre partnership after coming into the job in 2008, a year after Stephen Larkham's retirement ended his well-grooved combination with Matt Giteau and Mortlock.

In contrast, Mortlock pointed to the Ma'a Nonu-Conrad Smith centre partnership as a cornerstone to New Zealand's success over the same time.

"You look over five to eight years we haven't had set combinations for a while," said 80-Test centre Mortlock.

"Yet look at New Zealand they have had Nonu and Smith who have been the consistent, ever-presents in the midfield.

"It looks as though Ewen is settling on Quade (at five-eighth) but I don't think we've had a good combination at 10 and 12 with someone who's worked well with Quade so that's going to be really key.

"I think it's something that Ewen is going to play around with some combinations on tour. It's very important."

Kuridrani endured a tough Test baptism but shone in his last start against the All Blacks to put claims on Mortlock's old No.13 jersey.

"He's an exciting prospect and the only way to develop him is to give him game time," he said.

Mortlock believes McKenzie's rebuilding Wallabies can become just the second Australian team to win the grand slam but rates it a difficult assignment after just two wins from his seven Tests in charge.

"I think this tour, irrespective of being a grand slam opportunity, in the context of this year it's of a massive importance to this team," he said.

"It's a great opportunity for Ewen to put a real stamp on the job and move this group of guys forward ... heading into the World Cup."